Four affordable rental retreats

Four-bedroom house in Woodstock, NY

It may look rustic, but this wooden, barnlike structure is equipped with an up-to-date kitchen, flatscreen TVs, an iPod dock and Wi-Fi. But forget your e-mails for once: After practicing your asanas in the airy, double-height living-room-cum-yoga-studio (stocked with mats and instructional DVDs), cozy up by the stone fireplace or grill your dinner on the outdoor deck. The house is set in five wooded acres with views of the Catskill Mountains, and there's even more room to roam in the nearby Kenneth L. Wilson State Park (open May 19--Jan 28), which offers hiking and horseback riding. (505-577-1369, homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p323560). Starts at $300 per night.

Double rental in Cornith, NY

Amass 19 of your pals and decamp to this tranquil spot for a few days of boating and water sports. The digs consist of two simple houses, which can be rented as a pair or individually: The three-bedroom "upper" house has a wood-burning hearth and a deck with water views, while the seven-bedroom "lower" property is equipped with a hot tub and pool table. To up your game, take a 15-minute drive to Saratoga Springs' casino and raceway (845-356-0916, vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/8489.html). Upper house starts at $1,200 per week, lower house starts at $2,500 per week.

Green retreat in the Catskills

Using solar panels for electricity and a geothermal system for cooling and heating, this ten-person haven caters to eco-conscious urbanites who don't want to forgo air-conditioning. The nine-acre plot encompasses an orchard and a vegetable garden, plus a large freshwater swimming pond fed by mountain springs. Soak up the sun on the deck, or spend an hour honing your swimsuit bod in the property's fully equipped gym. (212-686-1661, vrbo.com/225436). Starts at $600 per night.

Guest house in the Hudson Valley

Within an hour's drive of the city is the historic town of New Windsor—and this eight-person hideaway. After you claim one of the three bedrooms, it's decision time: Equestrians can get back in the saddle at nearby Schunnemunk Shadow Stables (which also offers lessons), bargain-hounds will be drawn to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, and history buffs will want to check out the local Revolutionary War sites. There's also a homey bonus: The owners, who'll meet you on arrival and departure, stock the fridge with farm-fresh eggs, bread, juice and coffee. (airbnb.com/rooms/65712?af=86284&c=all15). Starts at $350 per night.